Exact Sciences

Exact Sciences Corporation is a United States molecular diagnostics company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The company develops and commercializes tests intended to help detect cancer earlier, characterize tumors, guide treatment decisions, and monitor disease. Its best-known product is Cologuard, a non-invasive, stool-based DNA screening test for colorectal cancer. Cologuard was designed to provide an alternative to screening approaches that require a clinical procedure and has become the central commercial foundation of Exact Sciences' business. The company was founded in 1995 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, by Stanley Lapidus and Anthony Shuber to pursue non-invasive colorectal cancer detection. Exact Sciences became a public company through a NASDAQ initial public offering in 2001. Its early years were difficult: the company spent a long period developing its technology and faced substantial uncertainty about whether its research could be translated into a commercially viable product. Its share price at one point fell below one dollar, reflecting the risks associated with its early-stage business model. A major turning point came in 2009, when Exact Sciences established a collaboration and licensing relationship with Mayo Clinic. Kevin Conroy became president and chief executive officer that year, and the company moved its headquarters to Madison. The combination of clinical collaboration, regulatory work, and product development ultimately led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration premarket approval for Cologuard in August 2014. The approval marked the company's transition from a development-stage biotechnology business into a commercial diagnostics company. Exact Sciences subsequently broadened its activities through acquisitions, partnerships, and internal research. It acquired Sampleminded in 2017, Armune Bioscience and Biomatrica in 2018, and Genomic Health in 2019. The Genomic Health transaction substantially expanded Exact Sciences' precision-oncology portfolio through the addition of the Oncotype DX family of tests, which are used in treatment decision-making for certain cancers. The company also acquired Paradigm Diagnostics, Viomics, Thrive Earlier Detection, Base Genomics, and Ashion Analytics, supporting laboratory capabilities, sample preservation, research, and the development of blood-based cancer detection technologies. Exact Sciences' business is organized around several related areas. Screening products focus on identifying cancer or precancer in people who may not have symptoms, particularly colorectal cancer. Precision-oncology tests analyze tumor or patient biology to help physicians estimate recurrence risk and select or avoid treatments. The company has also pursued multi-cancer early detection and liquid-biopsy research, including programs aimed at identifying cancer-related signals in blood and other samples. Its research pipeline has included work related to esophageal, breast, lung, liver, and pancreatic cancers, as well as biomarker research covering cancers with high mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Exact Sciences temporarily redirected part of its laboratory capacity toward SARS-CoV-2 testing. In April 2020, it received U.S. regulatory authorization associated with home testing kits, making use of its specimen logistics and molecular laboratory infrastructure beyond its core oncology applications. Exact Sciences has used collaborations to extend its technology base and distribution reach. Relationships reported in company and reference materials include ongoing work with Mayo Clinic, a licensing arrangement with Hologic, a technology-sharing agreement with MDxHealth, co-promotion of Cologuard with Pfizer, and an order-entry partnership with Epic Systems. These arrangements reflect a strategy that combines proprietary assays with clinical, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and health-information-technology partnerships. In November 2025, Abbott Laboratories announced an agreement…

Exact Sciences was established in 1995 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, by Stanley Lapidus and Anthony Shuber. Its original objective was to develop a non-invasive molecular test for colorectal cancer. The company pursued stool-based DNA detection at a time when the clinical and commercial acceptance of molecular screening was still developing. It went public on NASDAQ in 2001, but its early history was marked by uncertainty, prolonged product development, and financial-market skepticism. Its share price eventually fell below one dollar, and observers questioned whether the company would be acquired, leave the market, or succeed in bringing a screening product to patients. The company's trajectory began to change in 2009. Exact Sciences entered a collaboration and licensing relationship with Mayo Clinic, providing an important clinical and research foundation for its colorectal cancer program. Kevin Conroy became president and chief executive officer in the same year, and the company relocated its headquarters to Madison, Wisconsin. The partnership and subsequent development work supported the clinical validation and regulatory path for Cologuard. In August 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted premarket approval for Cologuard. The product combined stool collection with molecular analysis to screen for colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions without requiring an initial procedure inside a clinic. FDA approval transformed Exact Sciences from a research-focused company into a commercial diagnostics business. Cologuard became its signature product and provided the revenue base used to expand laboratory operations, sales, partnerships, and research programs. Exact Sciences began building a broader platform through acquisitions and strategic relationships. It purchased Sampleminded in 2017, adding healthcare information-technology capabilities. In 2018, it announced or completed transactions involving Armune Bioscience, a cancer diagnostics developer, and Biomatrica, a biological sample-preservation company. The company also raised capital through a convertible bond offering reported in early 2018. During this period, Exact Sciences formed or expanded relationships with organizations including Hologic, MDxHealth, Pfizer, and Epic Systems. Its collaboration with Pfizer supported co-promotion of Cologuard, while the Epic relationship addressed electronic ordering and workflow integration. The largest strategic step in this phase was the 2019 acquisition of Genomic Health, reported at approximately $2.8 billion. Genomic Health brought the Oncotype DX family of precision-oncology tests into Exact Sciences. These assays evaluate biological characteristics relevant to treatment decisions and recurrence risk in certain cancers. The combination joined a population-screening franchise with a more established oncology decision-support portfolio and gave Exact Sciences access to Genomic Health's international commercial presence. The company also invested in physical infrastructure. In 2019 it opened a large laboratory and warehouse facility intended to expand Cologuard testing capacity. In March 2020 it acquired Paradigm Diagnostics and Viomics, broadening laboratory, research, and development resources. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery, Exact Sciences temporarily applied part of its molecular laboratory infrastructure to SARS-CoV-2 testing. In April 2020, it received U.S. regulatory authorization associated with home testing kits. Later in 2020, Exact Sciences announced acquisitions of Thrive Earlier Detection and Base Genomics. These businesses supported the company's long-term interest in blood-based cancer detection and multi-cancer early detection. In early 2021, Exact Sciences announced the acquisition of Ashion Analytics and a research relationship with TGen and City of Hope's Genomics Institute. It also obtained an exclusive-use license for TGen's TARDIS liquid-biopsy technology. These activities reflected an effort to use circulating tumor DNA, methylation signals, and other molecular markers to identify cancers earlier or monitor disease with blood-based methods. The company's product and research strategy has consequently expanded beyond colorectal screening. Its programs have included precision tests and early-detection research for breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers, as well as biomarker studies covering multiple high-mortality cancers. Exact Sciences has sought to improve analytical sensitivity through multi-marker approaches, extend the Oncotype DX portfolio, and develop liquid-biopsy applications that can detect cancer or precancer from blood. In November 2025, Abbott Laboratories announced an agreement to acquire Exact Sciences for roughly $21 billion. The announced terms contemplated $105 per share and an anticipated closing in the second quarter of 2026. Because the reference describes the transaction as pending, its completion and any subsequent corporate status require verification against current filings and company announcements.

1. 2025Abbott acquisition agreement

   Abbott Laboratories announced an agreement to acquire Exact Sciences in a transaction valued at approximately $21 billion.

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2. 2021Liquid-biopsy and early-detection expansion

   The company acquired Ashion Analytics, licensed TGen's TARDIS technology, and expanded research collaborations in liquid biopsy and cancer detection.

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3. 2020COVID-19 testing response

   Exact Sciences used part of its molecular testing infrastructure for SARS-CoV-2 testing and received authorization associated with home testing kits.

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4. 2019Genomic Health acquisition announced

   Exact Sciences announced its approximately $2.8 billion acquisition of Genomic Health, adding the Oncotype DX precision-oncology portfolio.

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5. 2018Expansion through Armune Bioscience and Biomatrica

   The company expanded its diagnostic and sample-preservation capabilities through transactions involving Armune Bioscience and Biomatrica.

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6. 2017Sampleminded acquisition

   Exact Sciences acquired Sampleminded, a healthcare information-technology company.

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7. 2014FDA approval of Cologuard

   The FDA approved Cologuard for non-invasive colorectal cancer screening.

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8. 2009Mayo Clinic collaboration and leadership transition

   Exact Sciences announced a Mayo Clinic collaboration and licensing relationship, appointed Kevin Conroy as president and CEO, and moved its headquarters to Madison.

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9. 2001NASDAQ initial public offering

   Exact Sciences became a public company through an initial offering on NASDAQ.

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10. 1995Company founded

    Stanley Lapidus and Anthony Shuber founded Exact Sciences in Marlborough, Massachusetts, to develop non-invasive colorectal cancer detection.

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A cancer diagnostics company combining non-invasive screening, precision oncology, laboratory testing, and early-detection research.

• CologuardColorectal cancer screening2014

  Cologuard is a non-invasive, stool-based colorectal cancer screening test. It analyzes stool specimens for molecular and other biological signals associated with colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions. Its home-collection model is intended to make screening more accessible to eligible adults who may not complete an initial procedure-based screening approach. FDA approval in 2014 made it Exact Sciences' principal commercial product and established the company's position in consumer-oriented cancer screening.

• Oncotype DXPrecision oncology

  Oncotype DX is a family of genomic assays added to Exact Sciences through its acquisition of Genomic Health. The tests examine tumor biology to provide information relevant to recurrence risk and treatment decisions in selected cancers. Rather than serving as general population screening, the portfolio is used in clinical decision-making after a cancer diagnosis, helping physicians and patients evaluate the likely value of particular therapies.

• Cancer and biomarker testing portfolioMolecular diagnostics

  Exact Sciences develops additional laboratory and molecular tests for cancer detection, tumor characterization, recurrence assessment, and treatment guidance. The portfolio and pipeline have included tissue-based and liquid-based approaches, with research directed at cancers such as breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer. Specific tests and regulatory statuses vary by product and market.

• Liquid-biopsy and multi-cancer early-detection programsCancer early detection research

  The company's research programs seek to identify cancer-related molecular signals in blood or other samples before disease becomes clinically apparent. Exact Sciences has worked on circulating tumor DNA, methylation, multi-marker analysis, and technologies obtained through acquisitions and licenses, including TARDIS-related capabilities. These programs have been described as pipeline initiatives rather than a single fully commercialized product.

• 2018Cologuard co-promotion with Pfizer

  United States

  Exact Sciences and Pfizer announced an agreement to co-promote Cologuard, combining Exact Sciences' diagnostic product with Pfizer's commercial reach among healthcare professionals.

  Outcome. The arrangement was announced to run through 2021; later outcome details are not specified in the supplied reference.

  Source

• 2025Agreement to be acquired by Abbott LaboratoriesM&A

  Abbott sought to expand its diagnostics activities through Exact Sciences' cancer screening and precision-oncology businesses.

  What changed. Abbott announced an agreement to acquire Exact Sciences for approximately $21 billion, with announced consideration of $105 per share.

  Aftermath. The transaction was expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Completion should be verified from current filings.

  announced acquisition value. (November 2025)

  Source
• 2020Temporary expansion into COVID-19 testingStrategy

  The COVID-19 pandemic created urgent demand for molecular testing while disrupting routine cancer screening.

  What changed. Exact Sciences redirected part of its laboratory capacity to SARS-CoV-2 testing and obtained authorization associated with home testing kits.

  Aftermath. The initiative temporarily extended the company's testing infrastructure beyond oncology and screening applications.

  Source
• 2019Acquisition of Genomic HealthM&A

  Exact Sciences sought to diversify beyond colorectal screening and add established precision-oncology products and international commercial capabilities.

  What changed. The company announced an approximately $2.8 billion acquisition of Genomic Health.

  Aftermath. The transaction added the Oncotype DX suite and broadened Exact Sciences' presence in cancer treatment decision support.

  announced transaction value. (2019)

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• 2014Commercial introduction of CologuardProduct launch

  The company had developed a stool-based molecular approach to colorectal cancer screening and sought regulatory clearance for clinical use.

  What changed. Following FDA premarket approval, Exact Sciences commercialized Cologuard in the United States.

  Aftermath. Cologuard became the company's flagship offering and supported rapid growth in screening, laboratory operations, and commercial partnerships.

  Source
• 2009Clinical collaboration and headquarters relocationStrategy

  Exact Sciences needed clinical and research support to advance its non-invasive colorectal cancer screening program.

  What changed. The company entered a collaboration and licensing relationship with Mayo Clinic, appointed Kevin Conroy as president and CEO, and moved its headquarters to Madison, Wisconsin.

  Aftermath. The collaboration and leadership change preceded the regulatory approval and commercial expansion of Cologuard.

  Source

• 2025Abbott announces agreement to acquire Exact Sciences

  Abbott Laboratories announced an agreement valued at approximately $21 billion to acquire Exact Sciences. The announced terms contemplated $105 per share and an expected second-quarter 2026 closing, subject to customary conditions.

  M&A
  Source
• 2021Exact Sciences acquires Ashion Analytics and licenses TARDIS technology

  Exact Sciences announced the acquisition of Ashion Analytics and an exclusive-use license for TGen's TARDIS liquid-biopsy technology, alongside a research collaboration.

  M&AProduct launch
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• 2020Exact Sciences acquires Paradigm Diagnostics and Viomics

  The acquisitions expanded Exact Sciences' laboratory testing, research, and development capabilities.

  M&A
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• 2020Exact Sciences receives authorization connected with COVID-19 home testing

  During the pandemic, Exact Sciences redirected some diagnostic capacity toward SARS-CoV-2 testing and received U.S. authorization associated with home testing kits.

  Product launchRegulation
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• 2020Exact Sciences acquires Thrive Earlier Detection and Base Genomics

  The transactions strengthened the company's work on blood-based and multi-cancer early-detection technologies.

  M&A
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• 2019Exact Sciences agrees to acquire Genomic Health

  Exact Sciences announced an approximately $2.8 billion acquisition of Genomic Health, adding the Oncotype DX precision-oncology testing business and expanding its international reach.

  M&A
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• 2019Exact Sciences expands laboratory capacity

  The company opened a reported 169,000-square-foot laboratory and warehouse facility to increase capacity for Cologuard testing.

  Other
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• 2018Exact Sciences announces Armune Bioscience acquisition

  Exact Sciences announced its acquisition of cancer diagnostics developer Armune Bioscience, with consideration reported as including upfront value and milestone incentives.

  M&A
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• 2018Exact Sciences acquires Biomatrica

  The company acquired Biomatrica, whose technology focused on preserving biological samples for research and diagnostic use.

  M&A
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• 2017Exact Sciences acquires Sampleminded

  The company completed its first major reported acquisition by purchasing Sampleminded, a healthcare information-technology company.

  M&A
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• 2014Exact Sciences receives FDA approval for Cologuard

  The FDA approved Cologuard for the marketing and use of non-invasive colorectal cancer screening, creating the company's principal commercial growth platform.

  Product launchRegulation
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1. Exact Sciences Corporation
2. Exact Sciences official website